ISAS Briefs

India went through its worst terror attack in Mumbai last week. With unprecedented sweep and speed, the terrorists attacked 10 different locations and then settled down in three iconic buildings – the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Hotel Trident-Oberoi and the Nariman House (a Jewish Community House) – for wanton killings and pitched battles. The grit and doggedness with which the terrorists fought, and the range of arms, ammunition and explosives with which they were equipped, underlined months of careful preparations. Interrogations of the captured terrorist have revealed details of the terrorists’ entry into Mumbai through the sea route from Karachi. They had plans to blow up the Taj Hotel before possible escape. There is still confusion about the actual number of terrorists that came from outside as they came in batches. More than 10 have been shot dead and one arrested. Some of them checked into the Taj Hotel on 22 November 2008 and occupied Room No. 630, where not only additional explosives and arms were stored with the help of local associates (sleeping cells and underworld contacts) but a control room was also set up for the operations. They had complete and precise reconnaissance of the three major sites. India’s National Security Guard (NSG) commandos who launched the counter operations admitted that the terrorists appeared to be fully familiar with the hotel’s layout and they were as well trained and determined as the commandos.